November 12

Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.—Mark 9:21.

DO I receive implicitly all the teachings of Christ, and trust implicitly all his offers and promises, venturing my all on him for time and eternity? If my faith is weak, do I pray for its increase? Do I look away from my own weakness, and narrow views, and occasional doubts and fears, to the infinite power and truthfulness and the rich and abundant promises of Christ, that by these my faith may be strengthened, and my confidence and trust be made sure?

Difficulties, whether as to truth or providence, which we reckon on meeting in our path, strangely but effectually vanish when we are seeking Christ. An unseen Hand has cleared them away before we come, just as the mists are dispersed by the rising of the sun.

What was said of the Israelites, that "they could not enter in because of unbelief," may be said of many of our prayers, that they cannot enter heaven because they are not put up in faith.—SALTER.

The best way to remove doubts and fears, is, to have Christ within you. Learn his life; learn to trust him more and love him more; become identified with him, and all your doubts will disappear.—C. HODGE.

That childlike faith that asks not sight,

Waits not for wonder, or for sign,

Believes, because it loves aright,

Shall see things greater, things divine.

—KEBLE.